Opelousas in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
Preston "Sweet" Fontenot
1941-1959
Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, May 18, 2023
1. Preston "Sweet" Fontenot Marker
Preston Fontenot, better known as 'Sweet', was a member of the J.S. Clark High School class of 1961. Preston was a very popular and intelligent student. He was a member of the 1958 and 1959 AA LIALA state track championship teams, but 'Sweet's forte was football. He was a prolific running back and one of the best in the state of Louisiana. He loved to run over the opposition. As a high school junior, playing the game that he loved, Preston collapsed and tragically died of injuries sustained on the school's football field. As the ambulance left the field, there was a feeling of loss and it came to pass that Preston died at the hospital. Preston's death left a hole in our hearts that will never be filled. Preston's tragedy moved many to look at the necessary changes that needed to be made in the game of high school football. This plaque is a tribute to Preston 'Sweet' Fontenot, our fallen football hero.
Pray daily, hug tightly, and never take one day for granted.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports.
Location. 30° 31.899′ N, 92° 4.441′ W. Marker is in Opelousas, Louisiana, in St. Landry Parish. It is on Ronal Reagan Highway (Route 190) east of S. Academy St., on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Opelousas LA 70570, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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Regionally, this marker is in Louisiana’s Acadiana Cajun Country. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, Acadia, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Rosa B. Scott (Anderson) (here, next to this marker); J.S. Clark High School (here, next to this marker); Doctor's Office (a few steps from this marker); Le Vieux Village (a few steps from this marker); Venus House (a few steps from this marker); The Opelousas Post Militia of 1779 (a few steps from this marker); Opelousas Firsts and Famous/ Hall of Fame (a few steps from this marker); Acadian House / Pigeoneer (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Opelousas.
More about this marker. The "Le Vieux Village Historical Park & Heritage Museum" is located at the eastern entrance of Opelousas along U.S. Highway 190.
Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, May 18, 2023
2. Preston "Sweet" Fontenot Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 26, 2023, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 296 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 26, 2023, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.
